Testimonials

A number of professionals introduce themselves and give a brief description of their working environment in Clearstream.

Elisabeth Schönauer

Group company: Clearstream International

Department: Central Billing

Location: Luxembourg

Function: Billing employee

Interests: Football/sports in general, travel, reading

Working for Clearstream since: March 2012

What makes Clearstream an attractive employer?

Both the daily work with friendly, helpful colleagues, and the workplace itself – the canteen and gym, for example, give a real sense of being well looked after. The further training opportunities offered by the Group also make it very attractive as an employer.

Please describe your career path at Clearstream.

I started a six-month internship at Clearstream in January 2011. I really enjoyed my time there and the work they assigned to me. Because I was still a student, I then carried on working for Clearstream part-time. When I graduated, I wanted to stay at Clearstream for various reasons, such as: I already knew the team and liked working with my colleagues and the experience and insights I had gained during my year in the accounting team had given me an appetite for more. I also enjoy working in an international environment and like the good atmosphere at Clearstream.

What does your job entail?

Every working day is different. Of course there are tasks that are repeated every month, such as monthly invoicing and the pre- and post-processing that involves. Monthly invoicing usually takes place in the first three working days of the month. The billing process includes individual checks and monitoring measures and I am responsible for all stages of the Vestima and hedge fund invoicing. Vestima is a Clearstream product for our business area, Investment Funds Services.

During the rest of the month, I try to get involved in project work. This isn't always easy, as there are often a lot of queries from the departments about invoices, price calculations, etc., which sometimes require time-consuming research in order to answer. I am also responsible for making changes in the system, for example, if the price for a certain product changes or a new product is added, I enter it into our system.

There are also always workflow descriptions that need updating or complete restructuring.

All in all, my work is very varied and constantly presents new challenges.

What skills have you gained or developed?

The international environment has helped to improve my language skills, in particular. But also working in a team, coordinating and filling in for each other where possible is always a new challenge. Not forgetting project work, which requires constant willingness to learn something new.

How would you describe the working environment at Clearstream?

I'm afraid I can only speak for the working atmosphere in Luxembourg. It has a very international flavour, which I like a lot. It is also interesting to see how colleagues with different cultural backgrounds and nationalities have different approaches to solutions. This not only makes the working day varied, but also increases our awareness and makes for respectful and tolerant relationships between colleagues.

What tips would you give to someone for having a successful start at Clearstream?

Based on my own experience, I can only advise that you always ask questions when something is unclear and not be afraid to do so. In general, you should also have a good idea of what area you would like to work in, so that you can show your employer 100% commitment and motivation.

How does the Group ensure work/life balance?

We can combine our working and personal lives better through flexible working hours, and there are other options for relieving working pressure in different life situations.

Tibor Szabo

Group company: Deutsche Börse Services s.r.o.

Department: Clearstream Settlement & Custody

Location: Prague

Function: Head of Unit

Interests: Golf, video games

Working for the Group since: 2007

Why did you decide to join Clearstream?

Clearstream was in the process of opening a new office in Prague in 2006. Some clever people told me start-ups were always special. They were right. It was a unique opportunity to follow all the small steps from a very small group of professionals to the state where we are now. Looking back, I must say this was a perfect moment to join.

Please describe your professional career at Clearstream.

I started as a developer in the Clearstream Settlement team. After couple of years I also took on responsibility for people management and was appointed Head of Unit in the Settlement & Connectivity team here in Prague.

How would you describe your current job?

Our job on the IT development side is to ensure the Clearstream IT systems are always up and running and provide our customers the service they expect. What this means exactly is we split our time between support of the existing system - addressing various production queries and resolving any non-standard situations - and designing a new system to react to requests from our business colleagues.

How does Clearstream ensure a suitable work-life-balance?

The home office initiative is a nice example with great potential. It is not a very common benefit here in the Czech Republic. This gives us an additional level of flexibility and can save travelling time we can then spend with our families or on hobbies.

Why did you consider Clearstream an employer of choice?

I like the international character of the Group. We have some 15 nationalities in our office now. This global aspect helps us to bring different perspectives to our day-to-day problems. We can really learn a lot from each other.

Roxana Kellert

Group company: Clearstream Banking AG

Department: Transaction/Client Services

Location: Eschborn

Function: Client Services Officer

Interests: Sports, finances

Joined the Company: April 2012

Why did you choose Clearstream as your employer?

As an employer, Clearstream is not only generally well-known, for me it is also the first port of call when it comes to clearing.

Please describe your career so far in brief.

I graduated from the Goethe University in Frankfurt with a degree in law in September 2006. I worked as a certified legal expert at one of the largest asset management companies in the world from 2007 to 2012. This is where I gained my first experience in the area of settlement. Motivated by my enthusiasm for clearing, I started at Clearstream Banking in April 2012.

Describe your current role.

As a Client Services officer for the international securities settlement service, I work with various major customers. One of my responsibilities is to answer customer enquiries both by phone and in writing. In Client Services we cover settlement, income and corporate action and are available to our customers to answer any questions. We also work very closely with our internal departments that do not themselves have customer contact. Last but not least, we make sure that our good relationships with our customers are maintained. To this end, we often visit customers on-site and share information about how we work.

Which skills and experience are necessary for your current position?

It is important to always be flexible and to be able to work under pressure. It is also particularly important to keep goals in mind in day-to-day contact with customers and never lose sight of the customer's needs. In addition, our everyday business can only be successfully handled in a team which is why it is so important to be a team player.

What makes Clearstream an appealing employer?

Clearstream always tries to offer its employees the best working conditions and encourages further training. A lot of value is attached to social structures and support is provided for having a family in addition to a career.

Gürhan Kizilirmak

Group company: Clearstream Banking AG

Department: Settlement

Location: Eschborn

Function: Settlement Officer

Interests: Films, football, going out

Joined the company: June 2012

Why did you choose Clearstream as your employer?

What mainly appealed to me was Clearstream’s excellent reputation. I was very interested in the company and made an effort to find out more about them. My research helped confirm my decision.

How were your first days at work?

Everyone was very nice and friendly and I soon felt comfortable. I had to process a lot of new information in the first few days which is why it is important to pay attention and concentrate. I took lots of notes and used different methods to help me remember things which made this first period much easier. All in all, I got off to a very successful start.

Describe your current role.

I work as a settlement officer in the "Overseas and Bridge" area at Clearstream Banking AG. This area handles transactions between Clearstream customers on the one hand, and, on the other, counterparties from the UK and Ireland as well as customers of the Euroclear Bank. I make sure that OTC transactions are handled in line with the market. One important part of my work is providing support to customers in questions about different market practices.

How would you describe the working environment?

I think that the work atmosphere here is very pleasant. A lot is expected of employees but everyone is always very collegial and friendly.

How do you think applicants should prepare for their interview?

Of course, it is important to be well-groomed. Men should wear a suit. You should also come across as natural as possible. There's no point in pretending because it will be soon be noticed anyway.